When it comes to foot and heel pain, plantar fasciitis ranks at the top of the list of causes. While not all foot pain is attributable to plantar fasciitis, it does affect at least two million adults in the United States. At The Center for Foot and Ankle Surgery, Christopher Yardan, DPM, has extensive experience helping his patients in Wallingford, Connecticut, gain the upper hand on plantar fasciitis pain. To find relief from plantar fasciitis, please call the practice or request an appointment using the online booking tool.
Your plantar fascia is a thin, but tough, ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, from your heel to the front of your foot. This connective tissue is responsible for 27% of the passive support in your arches, and its load ratchets up when you take to your feet.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which tiny tears develop in the ligament, and the tiny wounds cause inflammation. The hallmark of plantar fasciitis‚ however, is the stabbing pain in your foot or heel with your first steps in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
Plantar fasciitis typically develops due to repeated stresses from normal wear and tear. But there are factors that may put you more at risk of developing plantar fasciitis, such as :
In addition to the inflammation in your ligament, plantar fasciitis can lead to the development of bone spurs in your heels.
When you first sit down with Dr. Yardan, he reviews your symptoms and performs an evaluation of your feet to confirm plantar fasciitis. To effectively treat plantar fasciitis, Dr. Yardan’s goal is to reduce the inflammation (your symptom) and support your arch (the cause).
His treatment depends upon the severity of the problem and how long you’ve been suffering from plantar fasciitis. Surgery is rarely required to resolve plantar fasciitis, which means Dr. Yardan typically addresses the problem with one or more of the following:
Plantar fasciitis is highly treatable, but you need to be patient and follow Dr. Yardan’s instructions regarding rest and physical therapy. The condition develops over time, so it takes time to heal properly. Once it’s healed, Dr. Yardan helps you take the necessary steps to prevent it from recurring.
For relief from your plantar fasciitis, please call The Center for Foot and Ankle Surgery or request an appointment using the online booking feature.